Solar Power Supply: Everything You Need to Know

Solar power is a renewable form of energy that is harvested from the sun to produce thermal or electrical energy. Utilizing solar power supply is economically efficient, eco-friendly, and adheres to social inclusivity. Understanding how solar energy supplies power is essential as it provides renewable energy, is cost-effective, needs little maintenance, and can be used for various purposes.

Technological advancement has given rise to portable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gas and standby generators. One such renewable power solution is the Jackery Solar Generator, which is ideal for providing solar power to charge outdoor and household appliances.

What Is A Solar Power Supply?

Solar power is a renewable form of energy used to produce electric or thermal energy. Solar energy is free, multi-purpose, and not reliant on non-renewable energy sources. A solar power supply system has the components arranged to produce electricity. Solar power supply ensures energy independence and reduces electricity bills. There are various types of solar systems which you can install after having the proper knowledge:

On-Grid Solar System

An on-grid solar system generates electricity only in the presence of a utility power grid, which is connected to the grid. This type of solar system benefits people who want to reduce their electricity bills. You can also transfer extra electricity to the grid through this system. This power transfer is recorded in a bidirectional meter so you can use power without paying extra.

Off-Grid Solar System

An off-grid solar system is often used in areas lacking conventional power sources or with frequent power cuts. The system is connected to a battery, which conserves the current for convenient use. The off-grid solar system has a solar panel, a controller, a battery, and an inverter to convert DC into AC.

Hybrid Solar System

Hybrid solar systems combine on-grid and off-grid systems. The solar system is connected to a grid and battery banks to conserve energy and use it in the future. This is one of the most sustainable and efficient options for electricity consumption, allowing you to maximize your power consumption without compromising on electricity bills.

Solar generators have become a popular alternative to standby and gas generators. These are portable, use renewable and clean energy, and can function indoors. Solar generators like the Jackery Solar Generator can power small and large devices for home backup and outdoor adventures. There are two types of solar generators:

Solar Backup Generators

Solar backup generators are permanently wired to your house’s electrical panel; as the power goes out, they automatically turn on. Since they are permanently installed in your home, they provide backup power when charged during the day.

Portable Solar Generators

Portable solar generators are designed to be easily transported and used in various settings. They are self-contained units with built-in batteries to store solar energy.

It is known that one hour of solar power can meet the requirement of one year, but still, globally, only 0.001% of solar energy is being consumed. With the advent of solar technology, the usage capacity is increasing. The growth of solar energy is higher than other fuels, and it provides various benefits such as:

Solar Power Supply Provides Renewable Energy

Some pollution occurs during electricity generation or other energy sources, damaging the environment. On the other hand, the origin of solar energy is no such difficulty.

Low/Non-Maintenance

Once installed permanently, solar power systems do not need much maintenance. With the help of an expert, you can clean them once every six months. You can replace the inverter in five to years, which demands low maintenance, repair, and expense.

Cost-Effective

Even if you switch to an on-grid solar system, you can see a significant reduction in electricity bills. This cost reduces even more in off-grid living, depending on your needs.  

Versatility

In addition to charging devices, solar energy can deliver electricity to areas impacted by frequent blackouts, be used in factories, supply clean water, and even power space satellites.

How Does A Solar Power Supply Work?

Light or solar radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. The amount of solar radiation that reaches any spot varies from another. The intensity of sunlight that Earth receives is enough for global energy consumption per year.

Solar power systems convert sunlight into electric energy through solar panels or mirrors. This energy is stored in batteries and used to generate electricity. The main components of a solar power supply include photovoltaic panels, battery charge controllers, deep cycle battery storage, power system metering, solar power system inverter, backup power, etc.

Solar power supplies like the Jackery Solar Generator offer renewable power solutions for emergency backups, blackouts, outdoor exploration, and more. It combines a portable power station and solar panels, which capture solar energy during the day. The solar panels and power stations convert solar energy into electrical energy. The portable power station has a built-in inverter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and charges the indoor and outdoor appliances.

What Size of Solar Power Supply Do You Need?

Many online calculators can give you a rough estimate of the solar energy required to charge your appliances. However, precise calculations depend on sizing, solar system type, battery banks, etc. Here is a step-by-step guide to determining the size of the solar power supply:

Step 1: According to EIA, people consume more electricity during summers and winters as they constantly use heaters and ACs. To determine your average monthly kWh usage, keep your 12 months' electricity bills and divide the kWh usage by 12 to get a monthly average.

Step 2: To calculate your daily kWh consumption, divide your monthly usage by 30. For example, if, on average, a home uses about 700 kWh/month, so the monthly consumption will be:

700kWh/30H= 23.22 kWh/day

Step 3: Since solar panels capture direct energy from the sun, sunlight affects the amount of power generated. To estimate the sunlight your solar panels will receive, divide the daily kWh consumption by the number of sunlight hours.

For example, if your location gets seven sun hours per day and the daily kWh consumption is 35, the amount of sunlight received:

35kWh per day/7 sun hours = 5 kW solar array.

Step 4: The degradation rate and inefficiency of solar panels should be considered, as the outcome of solar panels drops slightly each year. If your solar panel's performance warranty guarantees 70% after 25 years, the degradation rate will be calculated as 30% divided by 25 years, which will be a 1.2% annual production loss.

Step 5: Many homeowners with a grid-tied electrical system choose 100% offset of their solar power needs. But there is another way to start with a small system for partial offset and then expand as the budget allows.

For example, let's say you want to start with a partial offset, and your solar array is 5kW. After multiplying it by 0.5, you get a 2.5kW solar array. So, in this case, a 2.5kW solar array will cover 50% of your solar energy usage and reduce your bill by half.

Step 6: To determine the number of solar panels you need, divide the size of your solar array by the wattage of your solar panels. A 6kW (6000-watt) solar array with 400W solar panels needs:

6000 watts/ 400 watts = 15 panels.

Electricity consumption is measured in kWh, and retailers use this unit while invoicing. It is the volume of energy used over some time. Knowing the power and number of hours each appliance uses is essential to calculate electricity consumption. Below is a table of common appliances used, including their wattage, number of hours, and energy consumption in watts per day and per hour. 

The capacity of portable power stations can vary depending on various factors such as size, mode of charging, etc. If you use Jackery Portable Power Stations and want to calculate working hours, you should know how many appliances you use and for how long.

For example, the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station can charge a 60W laptop and 30W phone in:

Working Time = Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.

So, Working time = 99Wh × 0.85 / 90W = 0.93H

Note: Multiplied by 0.85 because some power loss will occur while charging the devices.

How to DIY A Solar Power Supply?

A DIY solar-grid system is safer and easier to install than a rooftop solar system. You might require a license or certification to install a solar system to the grid in many places. While many regions have put restrictions upon connecting a DIY system to the grid, building it is simple. Here are some steps that can help you to develop your off-grid solar system:

Step 1: Purchase The Equipment Needed

Starting from making the right purchase, here is a list of equipment and tools you might need:

• Solar panels for the energy-production part of the system.
• An inverter that converts the DC into AC, as most devices operate on AC power.
• A battery to store excess power during the day and supply power at night.
• A charge controller is needed to improve efficiency and ensure the safety of the battery while charging.
• Set of original wires to connect all components.
• Some miscellaneous items include mounting rocks, fuse, cable ties, terminal lugs, etc.
• Some tools like wire stripper, crimper, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers to install the system.

Step 2: Design A Solar Power System

Designing a solar system involves determining the size you need, which mainly depends on the total electricity requirement of the appliances the system will charge. The first step is to note the appliances you want to charge and their daily and hourly consumption. Calculate the energy consumption by multiplying the number of hours you use the appliances.

Step 3: Size The Solar Panels

You must know the average sunlight hours in your location to size your solar panels. Then, using this formula, calculate the size of the solar panel:

The total energy required (Wh)/Sunlight hours (daily) = Size of the solar panel (W)

Putting assumed values in the formula, you get:

2800Wh/5H =  560W panels

Step 4: Size The Battery And Charge Controller

While selecting a charge controller, choose the one with a voltage rating that matches the voltage of solar panels and the battery. Check the controller's specifications thoroughly to ensure that its current capacity is higher than the current of solar panels. For example, use a 30A controller for 10A solar panels.

Step 5: Choose The Right Inverter

The rating of the battery and solar panels defines the selection of inverters. The inverter you choose should have a higher power rating than the panels. If you use 800W panels, the inverter should be 1200W. Next, the inverter PV input voltage should match the voltage of the solar panel, and the battery input voltage should match the battery's voltage rating.  

Step 6: Choose The Right Cable Size

For small systems, you can use a 4mm cable for your connections. Choose cables with the correct sizes for larger systems to ensure optimum performance.

Step 7: Install The System

Once you have all the equipment in the correct sizes, you are ready to install the system. Modern equipment has ready-made ports and connectors, making it much easier to connect the components. You should follow the correct wiring sequence to ensure that the power flows in the proper direction.

Customer Review
“Set up on a partly sunny day to test and perform well. Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergencies, and I believe it will do the job.” -- Julie Botsko